Three finalists have been announced for the AgriScot Business Skills Award 2026.

Katrina Coutts from Shetland, Alison Hamilton from Strathaven and Robert Sloan from Lockerbie, were chosen after their success in the semi-final heats.

Now in its 16th year and as popular as ever, the Award recognises outstanding agricultural professionals between 18 and 25 years old. Kindly sponsored by Virgin Money, organised by SRUC, and supported by SAYFC, the competition offers participants the chance to win £1,000 alongside access to both career and financial mentoring and networks.

All three finalists have undertaken their agricultural studies at SRUC. Alison and Robert are currently studying for their Degree in Agriculture at SRUC Barony campus, while Katrina has recently graduated with a 1st class honours degree from SRUC Aberdeen Campus and now works as an Agricultural Consultant with SAC consulting.

Alison excels in sports – she has represented Scotland internationally and won the Scottish Junior Curling championships. She has also been part of stock judging teams with the young farmers and represented SRUC at the Paris International Agricultural Show. Robert is an active member of his local young farmers club and has represented the club at the national dairy cattle dressing finals. He has a passion for dairy farming and looks after his own pedigree cows. Katrina comes from a crofting background on Shetland, enjoys playing hockey and taking advantage of the opportunities for visits and tours through Young Farmers .

Alison Hamilton from the South region said: By participating in this year’s competition, I hope to gain more knowledge about the business side to the agricultural industry and push myself out my usual place of comfort.”

Robert Sloan, also from the South region, commented: “My goal is to run a farming business in the future. This competition is helping me to improve my business skills and challenge me on what I have learned at college.”

Katrina Coutts, from the North region said: “The Business Skills Competition is pushing me out my comfort zone, developing my business skills, and helping make me new contacts within the agricultural industry. I entered the competition after hearing about this year’s theme, as it aligns perfectly with what I am seeing at work just now.”

Tying in with AgriScot’s 25th Anniversary, this year’s theme asks candidates, "What should be the top priority for Scottish agriculture over the next 25 years, and how can the industry achieve it?"

The finalists, once again, impressed the judges with their responses.

Stephen Buchan, Head of Agriculture for Scotland at Virgin Money and one of this year’s judges, said: “The standard of this year’s candidates has once again been hugely encouraging. This competition gives young people an opportunity to voice their ideas, think strategically and demonstrate their business knowledge. Hearing their responses and seeing the enthusiasm they bring gives us real confidence in the next generation of Scottish agriculture.

“It also challenges them to look beyond the day-to-day demands of farming and consider the planning and financial decisions that underpin a successful business. These are skills that will serve them well throughout their careers.

“At Virgin Money, we are committed to supporting Scottish agriculture and the young people who will take it forward. Through mentoring the finalists, we want to build their confidence and help them recognise their ability to succeed in the industry. Congratulations to Katrina, Alison and Robert.”

Competition coordinator and former Business Skills Award winner Heather Kerr from SRUC explained what set the finalists apart this year: "We’ve been looking for candidates with a broad understanding of running a farming enterprise and the economics behind production, who can apply that financial knowledge to the key priorities facing Scottish farming, and understand the steps needed to achieve them.

She added: “Beyond the prize money, the real value lies in the networking and building their business skills - from meeting farmers and bank representatives, to receiving individual mentoring to help brush up early on their business knowledge.

“This year we’ve had another high number of entries, which demonstrates the value of holding a competition of this kind. We’re keen to continue with that momentum and to encourage young professionals to see the benefit in being involved."

“Thank you to Stephen Buchan and Virgin Money for your support, and to the hosts of this year’s regional heats.”

The Business Skills Award final will take place at AgriScot on Wednesday 18 November, where the winner will be awarded £1,000 in prize money, and the two runners-up will receive £250 each.